You already know that having a straighter, brighter smile improves your physical appearance, but straightening your teeth does much more than that.
Let’s talk about some of the more unexpected benefits of straight teeth.
6 Unexpected Benefits of Straight Teeth
1: Lower risk of periodontal and gum disease.
When your teeth are straighter, your gums are healthier.
Proper tooth alignment allows the gums to fit better around each tooth, which gives bacteria fewer places to grow.
Since your straight teeth are also easier to keep clean, your oral hygiene in general is much better.
This also leads to:
2: Better breath.
That improvement in oral hygiene without extra effort keeps your breath clean and fresh.
Inhibited bacterial growth does more than just keep your odors under control, though.
3: Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, and diabetes.
According to the American Dental Association, straight teeth and regular flossing and brushing may help reduce the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and pneumonia.
The Mayo Clinic, too, acknowledges that there is a correlation between tooth and gum health and reduced disease risk.
Whatever the actual cause of the correlation between straight, healthy teeth and an overall healthy body, it’s obvious that your oral health has far-reaching benefits that you don’t necessarily expect.
4: Reduced jaw pain and TMJ syndrome relief.
In addition to straightening your teeth and making your smile look better, orthodontic care corrects bite problems.
Proper tooth alignment reduces the strain on your facial muscles and jaw joints, which in turn reduces or eliminates jaw pain and lowers the risk of developing TMJ syndrome.
If your jaw regularly hurts, or if you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms, orthodontic care might be a great option.
5: A more youthful appearance.
Did you know that properly aligned teeth can make you look younger?
Misalignment affects your facial structure and can cause you to look prematurely aged.
Sunken cheeks, a weak chin, and other facial features around your mouth contribute to that aged look, and orthodontic care can help correct those features to make you look youthful and vibrant again.
6: Better performance at work.
With a brighter smile and more confidence, many adults that receive orthodontic care find that they smile more often and feel better about themselves.
That sunny disposition and outward expression of confidence and happiness has a positive effect on those around you.
It becomes even easier to forge relationships, make a good impression, and perform well at the office.
People who smile more are likeable and approachable, and for good or ill, it’s a fact of life that those who are more attractive reap more benefits.
Did you know a straight, healthy smile could do all that?